Lev Tahor: Judge blocks removal of children in Guatemala

Efforts by Canadian and Guatemalan authorities to seize child members of the Lev Tahor sect who left Canada two weeks ago with three adult members of the group have been blocked by a temporary court ruling.

Not enough evidence to proceed with removal order, judge rules; group back in court on Monday

Three adults and six children of the Lev Tahor sect have been staying at this hotel in the tourist town of Panajachel, a few hours west of Guatemala City. (Romina Ruiz-Goiriena)

Efforts by Canadian and Guatemalan authorities to seize child members of the Lev Tahor sect who left Canada two weeks ago with three adult members of the group have been blocked by a temporary court ruling.

Judge Mariela De Leon ruled Saturday that the children can stay with the adults until Monday, when they will go before a family court judge. The temporary ruling found that Canadian officials working with the office of Guatemala’s Solicitor-General did not provide sufficient evidence to proceed with a removal order.

De Leon also based her ruling on the lack of a rescue order from Interpol and the fact many aspects of the case were outside her jurisdiction.

“Without further evidence, I see no grounds [for removal],” she said.

The three adults and six children have been staying at a hotel in the tourist town of Panajachel, a few hours west of Guatemala City.

The Lev Tahor members arrived in Guatemala March 4 after they left their homes in Chatham, Ont., amid a pending judgment in an appeal case.